Political Risk

Africa news round-up

Africa news round-up

Côte d’Ivoire's debt restructuring; RenCredit's entry to Nigeria; JD Group's bond issuance; and Egypt's ongoing uncertainties.

Taking the strain

Taking the strain

With anti-government protests across North Africa turning in riots, the cost to business has been high. Political-risk insurers may have to foot the bill. Mark Dunne reports.

New dawn

New dawn

Foreign investors hope for a period of stability in Ukraine, writes Julian Evans.

Holding on

Holding on

Egypt has so far proven remarkably resilient in the face of the credit crunch. But it faces serious challenges in its near-term future, writes Julian Evans

Batman promises to clean up the streets

Batman promises to clean up the streets

The newly-elected prime minister of Bulgaria, a former bodyguard nick-named ‘Batman’, has promised to fight crime in Bulgaria and get the country back on track to EU accession, writes Philip De Leon.

He came, he spoke. He conquered?

He came, he spoke. He conquered?

President Obama’s speech in Cairo University in early June has been hailed as a milestone in the US’s relations with the Middle East. Here, we present edited highlights of the speech, and some reactions to it in the west, Israel, and the Muslim world.

Picking up the pieces

Picking up the pieces

African states and banks have provided Zimbabwe with more than US$1bn in trade credit lines. Support from regional bodies has provided a much-needed injection of cash, but in the absence of long-term financing or western loan packages, the country is still far from recovery, writes Shannon Manders.

Searching for Alpha

Searching for Alpha

Iraq’s government is trying to persuade western banks and companies to put billions into the country’s battered economy. The opportunities are great, but so are the risks, reports Julian Evans.